What is UCAT Decision Making?

UCAT Decision Making is a part of the UCAT exam that tests the candidate's ability to solve problems and apply strategic principles of local reasoning. It assesses an individual’s ability to analyse information and implement logic to make important decisions.

The decision-making section of the exam asks the candidate to use both logic and reasoning for solving text-based and visual data-based questions. So, the section has questions with corresponding text or visual data. During this exam, you will get access to an on-screen calculator to solve the decision-making questions. 

At Sage Education Services, we offer UCAT classes in Dubai to help aspiring candidates. The classes will help you to improve your preparation. 

In this guide, you will get complete information about the Decision Making subtest of UCAT. 

Different types of decision-making questions in UCAT

In the decision-making questions in UCAT, there are two types of sections of questions:

  • Multiple Choice
  • Yes/No Statements

The questions types are categorised into six types;

  • Logical puzzle questions
  • Syllogisms questions
  • Venn diagrams
  • Probabilistic reasoning questions
  • Recognizing assumptions 
  • Interpreting information questions

Why is the UCAT Decision Making important?

The UCAT decision-making questions are curated to test the applicant’s strategic implementation of logic and reasoning in a situation. As discussed above, it will assess the ability to evaluate arguments and conditions. The questions will let the candidate gain information using statistics and solve the problem accordingly. This is important because, as a professional Doctor, you have to deal with complex situations and make the right decisions.

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Both dentists and doctors have to make strategic decisions in complex situations. They have to look after different investigation results of the patients. It will include blood sample results, statistics, and imaging to make treatment decisions. For this, they need higher problem-solving skills. Also, they should have the ability to manage and assess risky situations and make decisions dealing with uncertainty. At UCAT classes in Dubai, you will be taught how to make the right decisions.

Also Read: How to Overcome A Level Exam Anxiety? A Comprehensive Guide for A Level Exam Preparation

How to study Decision Making for UCAT?

Candidates have to prepare for the UCAT Decision-Making section by practising logical and reasoning questions. You should go through the practice questions of UCAT Decision Making along with the previous year's papers. The candidates are advised to familiarise themselves with a scoring system and instructions. Besides, you should learn to use logic and reasoning to analyse problems and understand management skills. 

  • Understand Strong Arguments 

While solving the question, you must know what a strong argument looks like. It will help you choose the right answer. To spot strong arguments, find out direct links to conclusive statements. You have to cite the evidence and objective.

  • Check for Keywords 

You need to check out certain keywords in the given answers to choose the right answer. Sometimes, the word ‘might’ will state a weak argument as it shows uncertainty. The word ‘feel’ also sounds subjective, which is a weak argument.

  • Think from a Logical Point 

When you are evaluating arguments, focus on words such as ‘Should’. You need to think from a logical point of view and pick up the best argument. Usually, you can narrow them down by choosing the illogical options first, & from there, you can decide on the best argument. If you were debating this topic with someone and wanted to win the argument, which argument would you choose?

  • Revising Probability 

You should also focus on revising probability calculations while solving the decision-making questions. Most questions, especially ‘logical puzzle’ questions revising probability, will help you draw out the information and understand the situation best.

  • Practice Decision-Making Questions 

You can improve your decision-making exam score by solving practice questions on a daily basis. It will help you familiarise yourself with different question types. Also, you will get used to the computer-based test format.

  • Solving Graphs 

You also need to work hard on your graph reading. This is because the question types will include looking at graphs to get accurate information. The best way to prepare for these questions is by practising. It will be better if you practise mathematical graph questions.

Also Read: Ways to Improve Your AP English Language Multiple Choice Score

What is the best way to prepare for UCAT?

Here is the best way to prepare for the UCAT decision-making exam;

  • Make a comprehensive study plan 

Before you start studying for UCAT preparation, you should take the time to create a detailed study plan. You need to outline the time and topics you need to cover in each session. Ensure that you have enough time to revise multiple times.

  • Ensure to Understand Each Subset 

The UCAT exam is a complete aptitude-based exam that assesses various skills of the candidate who wants to become a medical professional. You do not have to study new theories as it won’t ask any questions to test your academic ability. You need to only focus on developing skills and techniques to answer different questions in each subtest. While answering the UCAT Decision Making subtest, you will be asked about problem-solving skills and questions on decisions to solve complex situations.

  • Familiarise yourself with Test Functions 

The candidate must know how to navigate the online test system. This will help to save time during the exam. Hence, it is worth investing the time required for the UCAT preparations. It will help you to get familiar with its functions. On the UCAT website, you will find a ‘Tour Tutorial’. The guide will help you explore the functions of the exam. It will help you understand how to answer different questions and review them.

How to work out Decision Making score UCAT?

You can boost your decision-making score in UCAT using the below tips;

  • You need to have a proper understanding of timing as you need 29 questions in 31 minutes. Work out to use time strategically. 
  • It is better to start simple and work on complex situations when you are ruling out options.
  • Always aim for the right answer, not the diagram, so focus on finding direct answers.
  • Never overlook the tiny text details on the diagrams.
  • Use Venn Diagrams to solve questions.
  • Familiarise yourself with solving answers with keyboard shortcuts.
  • The UCAT exam does not practise negative marking. So, there is no harm if you guess the answer. Make sure not to leave any questions.

Also Read: Empowering Students Grades & Confidence through Math Tutoring in Dubai

Tips for improving the speed of decision-making in UCAT?

  • Use strategic techniques such as syllogisms, probability, and Venn diagrams to get quick answers.
  • Try to categorise the questions of Decision Making questions into different types and answer them.
  • Always note down your mistakes and work on them to solve the next attempts precisely.
  • Avoid rushing on the questions. You should practise picking up keywords to answer easily and quickly. 
  • Make sure you are strict with timing. If you want to cover and complete the entire section, answer all questions at a strategic rate, like solving one question per minute.

Conclusion

This is your comprehensive guide to the key concepts and problem-solving approaches to attempt the Decision Making section of the UCAT exam. Make sure to keep the above tips in mind strictly to succeed in the exam. The candidate must understand how to find the right answer quickly by applying logic rather than spending too much time. During the preparation, the focus should be on time management, logical thinking, and revision. If you want to join UCAT classes in Dubai to boost your preparation, consult our Sage Education Services and join our UCAT preparation course. For more information and enquiries, feel free to connect with us.

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